HIV Basics

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that attacks a key part of the immune system – the T-cells or CD4 cells – which help defend the body against illness. Left untreated, HIV can destroy so many CD4 cells that the body can’t fight infections and diseases anymore. When that happens, HIV can lead to an AIDS diagnosis.

Not everyone who has HIV progresses to AIDS. A person with HIV who is on antiretroviral (ARV) medication and in ongoing medical care can live a normal, healthy lifespan and have children without HIV. In addition to improving health, ARVs also prevent the spread of the virus.

AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is a clinical diagnosis that indicates an advanced stage of HIV.

An AIDS diagnosis is determined when the number of healthy immune system cells (also known as one’s CD4 or T-cell count) drops to a low level or when someone with HIV develops certain illnesses, called opportunistic infections, which result from a weakened immune system. These may include Kaposi’s sarcoma, tuberculosis, lymphoma, pneumonia, and other cancers such as invasive cervical cancer. Someone with HIV may receive an AIDS diagnosis from a health care provider if they have one or more specific opportunistic infections, certain cancers, or a very low number of healthy immune system cells.

Once someone receives an AIDS diagnosis, it is not reversed – meaning that person will always be considered to have AIDS – but an individual’s condition can improve with proper treatment.

A person with HIV who is on antiretroviral (ARV) medication and in ongoing medical care can live a normal, healthy lifespan and have children without HIV. In addition to improving health, ARVs also prevent the spread of the virus.

The most common way people get HIV is through unprotected anal or vaginal sex with someone with HIV who is not aware of their status or not on antiretrovirals (ARVs), the medications used to treat HIV. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), HIV transmission through oral sex is extremely rare.

There are more options than ever to prevent the spread of HIV, including:

Condoms: When used consistently and correctly, condoms are highly effective in protecting against HIV, as well as many other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Condoms are also the only method of protection that prevents both pregnancy and disease. Like male condoms, female condoms are another barrier method of protection. Female condoms are inserted into the vagina. Click here to find out more about condoms.

No. There is no cure or vaccine for HIV, however there are highly effective treatments.

A person with HIV today who is on ongoing antiretroviral (ARV) medication and in medical care can live a normal, healthy lifespan. HIV treatment also can prevent passing HIV from mother to child.

ARVs work to lower the amount of virus in the body, often to levels that are undetectable by standard lab tests. In addition to improving health, getting and keeping a low viral load also prevents the spread of the virus to others.

To get the full health and preventive benefits of ARVs, it is important that an individual with HIV stays connected to medical care and takes their medications as prescribed, even if they do not feel sick.

One reason some groups and geographic areas have been more affected by HIV than others is because the HIV prevalence – the percent of the population that has HIV – is already high. In other words, the chances of coming in contact with the virus is greater.

A common misperception is that groups with higher rates of HIV are acting less responsibly. In fact, research shows that this is not the case. Groups more at-risk for HIV are generally found to get tested more frequently, use condoms more often, and take other precautions to protect against HIV as compared with other groups. The chance of being exposed to the virus is just greater in these social networks and so the response must also be greater.

Increased access to HIV treatment and care, along with earlier diagnosis, and use of PrEP has been shown to bring down rates of HIV even among areas with higher prevalence.

Choosing if and when to tell someone that you have HIV is a personal decision.

Having trusted friends and/or family who know your HIV status may help you manage your diagnosis.

Having this conversation may bring up a range of emotions. Some things you may want to consider when sharing this information:

What kind of relationship do you have with this person?

What are the possible consequences of telling them that you have HIV?

Will telling them be a safe experience?

What is that person’s attitude and knowledge about HIV?

Is there information about HIV you can share that may be helpful?

Are there particular issues this person might have that will affect the support they can offer?

If you don’t have someone in your life you feel you can share this information with – or want added support – check out a local support group. You can talk with other people living with HIV and also get help from experts. What’s most important is that you get the support and care you deserve!

It is best to share your status with your partner before becoming intimate. In some states, it is a legal requirement.

While many people living with HIV have loving intimate relationships, for some, disclosure can lead to violence. To minimize risk, consider telling them in a public space with others around but private enough to talk. Or, have them talk with a health care provider to answer any questions they may have.Learn more about the connection between HIV and intimate partner violence.

Don’t let HIV stand in the way of love. People with different HIV statuses can have healthy and safe intimate relationships. There are more options than ever to prevent the spread of HIV and keep both of you healthy.

When a friend or family member shares that they have HIV, it shows they trust you.

One of the best things you can do is listen without judgment and offer your love and support.

Allow them to guide the conversation and share the level of detail that is comfortable for them. Let them know you are here to provide whatever help they may need. Support them in getting into care and on treatment.

Some things to keep in mind if someone tells you they have HIV:

HIV is not a death sentence. With ongoing treatment you can live a normal, healthy lifespan.

In addition to keeping an individual healthy, treatment also prevents the spread of the virus.

HIV is not spread through casual contact.

It is possible to have healthy intimate relationships. There are more options than ever to prevent the spread of HIV and keep you both healthy.

Keep it confidential. It is not your information to share and the consequences of doing so can be serious.

Your support will help them be healthier.

Getting into and staying in care is critical to living well with HIV. Given the clear benefits, it’s recommended that people diagnosed with HIV start treatment as soon as possible.

You can show your support by offering to go with loved ones with HIV to appointments or to pick up their prescriptions. Keeping up with care and treatment is very important. If someone with HIV stops taking their medications, they can get very sick.